Hibiscus plant named Crimson Tide

ABSTRACT

An Hibiscus plant named Crimson Tide particularly characterized by its vivid red flower color with a satin glow and dark red eye; regular single flower form; flower diameter of 130 to 150 mm; excellent pot habit with vigorous growth, good branching and very uniform performance; high production of flowers; flower life of a single day; easy to propagate; good resistance to Bacterial Leaf Spot, and good shipping tolerance.

The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar of Hibiscus,botanically known as Hibiscus rosasinensis L., and referred to by thecultivar name Crimson Tide.

Crimson Tide, identified as 86-280005, was originated from a cross madeby Frank C. Moser in a controlled breeding program in Alva, Fla., in1985.

The female parent of Crimson Tide was the cultivar identified asWeismoor Sun, an unpatented Hibiscus cultivar with single flower form,an orange-red flower color, and a dark red eye.

The male parent of Crimson Tide was an unnamed seedling identified as83-047001.

Crimson Tide was discovered and selected as one flowering plant withinthe progeny of the stated cross by Frank C. Moser in June 1986, inground beds in Alva, Fla.

The first act of asexual reproduction of Crimson Tide was accomplishedwhen vegetative cuttings were taken from the initial selection inNovember 1986 in ground beds in Alva, Fla., by technicians working underthe supervision of Frank C. Moser.

Horticultural examination of controlled flowerings of successiveplantings has shown that the unique combination of characteristics asherein disclosed for Crimson Tide are firmly fixed and are retainedthrough successive generations of asexual reproduction.

Crimson Tide has not been observed under all possible environmentalconditions. The phenotype may vary significantly with variations inenvironment such as temperature and light intensity.

The following observations, measurements and comparisons describe plantsgrown in Alva, Fla. under greenhouse conditions which approximate thosegenerally used in Florida for commercial potted Hibiscus production.

The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined tobe basic characteristics of Crimson Tide, which, in combination,distinguish this Hibiscus as a new and distinct cultivar:

1. Vivid red flower color with a satin glow.

2. Regular single flower form, with diameter of 130 to 150 mm.

3. Excellent pot habit with vigorous growth, good branching and veryuniform performance.

4. High production of flowers.

5. Flower life of a single day.

6. Easy to propagate.

7. Good resistance to Bacterial Leaf Spot (Pseudomonas sp.)

8. Good shipping tolerance (bud drop resistance).

The accompanying photographic drawings show typical plant habit, flowerand leaf characteristics of Crimson Tide, with the colors being asnearly true as possible with illustrations of this type.

Sheet 1 is a color photograph of Crimson Tide grown as a commerciallyfinished pot plant, with 4 cuttings in a 15 cm. pot.

Sheet 2 is a black and white photograph of the foliage of Crimson Tide,ranging from small or immature to relatively large and mature.

Of the commercial cultivars known to the inventor, the most similar incomparison to Crimson Tide is the cultivar Brilliant Red, an unpatentedcultivar. Crimson Tide has a brighter red flower color, a more uniformperformance, and a higher production of flowers when compared withBrilliant Red. In addition, Crimson Tide has much better shippingtolerance (bud drop resistance) than Brilliant Red, and is much moreresistant to Bacterial Leaf Spot than Brilliant Red, which is verysusceptible. It is worth noting that bud drop in shipping budded plantshas been a severe problem in many cultivars currently being grown.Breeding for varieties not showing this trait is a high prioritybreeding objective. Therefore, the trait of bud drop resistance inCrimson Tide is very important. Resistance to Pseudomonas sp. (BacterialLeaf Spot) is also a very important trait. Cultivars which are verysusceptible to this disease cannot be grown successfully in the Floridaenvironment.

In the following description color references are made to The RoyalHorticultural Society Colour Chart. The color values were determined onMay 18, 1990 in Salinas, Calif. on plant material grown in Alva, Fla.and shipped as a budded plant to Salinas, Calif., where it was flowered.The very bright red color with satin glow of Crimson Tide is notrepresented in the R.H.S. Colour Chart, and the values given are thosebelieved to be closest to the actual color of Crimson Tide.

Classification:

Botanical.--Hibiscus rosasinensis L. cv Crimson Tide.

Commercial.--Greenhouse pot Hibiscus.

INFLORESCENCE

A. Flower (general):

Size.--130 to 150 mm.

Borne.--In axils of leaves, 1 per node.

Form.--Regular single.

Life.--One day.

Blooming habit.--Continuously, year round.

B. Corolla (petals):

Color (general tonality from a distance of three meters).--Bright redwith satin glow.

Color (upper surface).--Closest to 40A. Eye: Basal part of eye closestto 46A, blending into 40A at 1/5 of the base of the petal.

Color (under surface).--Left 1/2 of underside of petal: 44C. Right 1/2:19B overlaid with 19A with some red streaks.

C. Reproductive organs:

Androecium (stamens).--Numerous anthers, abundant pollen; color 15A.

Gynoecium (pistil).--Stigma: 5 in number, rounded, hairy. Color: 45A.Style: 42A, slightly darker at base.

PLANT

A. General appearance:

Height.--20 to 25 cm when grown as pot Hibiscus with 4 cuttings in a 15cm pot and 1 to 2 applications of 400 ppm CCC.

Branching pattern.--Semi-upright.

B. Foliage:

Color (upper surface).--147A.

Color (under surface).--147B.

Shape.--See photograph.

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct Hibiscus plant named Crimson Tide, asdescribed and illustrated.